Former soldier behind bars on firearms charge

A former Welshpool soldier has started a three-year jail sentence after making threats to kill with an air rifle.

Mold Crown Court heard how defendant Sean Kerry Cook, 50, made threats to kill last December when possessing a firearm. Cook, of Pen-y-Gaer, Brooks, near Welshpool, was jailed for three years.

On top of threats to kill, he admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and two charges of common assault, the Shropshire Star reported.

Cook, a father of seven, was made subject to a 10-year restraining order not to approach his victims or go to their home address.

Judge Niclas Parry said the incident on December 8 had been terrifying one for the victims and had lasted a considerable time. Cook had overreacted to a minor issue because he was drunk, he said.

Officers arrived at the scene and it took 45 minutes to persuade Cook to come out. A loaded air rifle and pellets were recovered and there was evidence that it had been used, said prosecuting barrister Frances Willmott.